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阿姨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
阿姨
āyí
maternal aunt
HSK 3, nr, 16 strokes, rank #2877, Medium
阿姨
āyí
step-mother
HSK 3, nr, 16 strokes, rank #2877, Medium
阿姨
āyí
childcare worker
HSK 3, nr, 16 strokes, rank #2877, Medium
阿姨
āyí
nursemaid
HSK 3, nr, 16 strokes, rank #2877, Medium
阿姨
āyí
woman of similar age to one's parents (term of address used by child)
HSK 3, nr, 16 strokes, rank #2877, Medium
āyí(a1yi2)a yi T1
1maternal aunt
2step-mother
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March 24, 2026
阿姨āyí(a1yi2)
The term '阿姨' (āyí) primarily refers to a maternal aunt but can also denote a stepmother or a woman of similar age to one's parents. In many contexts, it is used as a polite term of address for childcare workers or nursemaids, reflecting a sense of familiarity and respect.
Strokes16Frequency#2877DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
'阿姨' reflects the importance of familial relationships in Chinese culture, where extended family members often play significant roles in daily life. It illustrates the common practice of referring to older women in a familial manner, which fosters a sense of community.
Memory tip
Imagine a friendly aunt waving at you with open arms, saying 'Aunty' in a cheerful voice. The character '阿' (ā) can remind you of 'aunt' with its open shape, while '姨' (yí) sounds like 'yummy,' suggesting the warmth of a family meal at your aunt's house.
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AI study notes for 阿姨
Quick Contrast
姑姑 (gūgu) refers specifically to a paternal aunt, whereas 阿姨 (āyí) can refer to a maternal aunt or a woman of similar age to one's parents.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '阿姨' with '姑姑' (gūgū), which specifically means aunt on the father's side. This term is generally informal, so it's best used in casual settings or when addressing someone in a friendly manner, rather than in formal situations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '阿姨' connects with family-related vocabulary like '妈妈' (māmā, mother) and '父亲' (fùqīn, father). Focus on using it in context with family discussions and when describing relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '阿姨' for paternal aunts, which should be '姑姑' (gūgū). Another common error is using it in overly formal contexts, where a more respectful term would be appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阿姨
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The term '阿姨' (āyí) primarily refers to a maternal aunt but can also denote a stepmother or a woman of similar age to one's parents. In many contexts, it is used as a polite term of address for childcare workers or nursemaids, reflecting a sense of familiarity and respect.
When to use 阿姨
Be careful not to confuse '阿姨' with '姑姑' (gūgū), which specifically means aunt on the father's side. This term is generally informal, so it's best used in casual settings or when addressing someone in a friendly manner, rather than in formal situations.
阿姨 or something close to it
姑姑 (gūgu) refers specifically to a paternal aunt, whereas 阿姨 (āyí) can refer to a maternal aunt or a woman of similar age to one's parents.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '阿姨' for paternal aunts, which should be '姑姑' (gūgū). Another common error is using it in overly formal contexts, where a more respectful term would be appropriate.
Write 阿姨
阿
姨
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Grammar patterns of 阿姨
阿姨 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她是街坊上所有孩子的好____.
She is a good aunt to all the children in the neighbourhood.
Example sentences for 阿姨 (12)
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1
她是街坊上所有孩子的好阿姨.
tā shì jiēfang shàng suǒyǒu háizi de hǎo āyí.
She is a good aunt to all the children in the neighbourhood.
2
阿姨和叔叔建议她去商店工作。
āyí hé shūshu jiànyì tā qù shāngdiàn gōngzuò。
Auntie and Uncle suggested she serve in the shop.
3
令人疑惑的是，她看上去就像一位面熟的邻家阿姨或是祖母。
lìng rén yíhuò de shì， tā kànshangqu jiù xiàng yī wèi miàn shóu de lín jiā āyí huòshì zǔmǔ。
She looks disconcertingly like a familiar aunt or grandmother.
4
玛丽阿姨糊里糊涂的,她总是忘东忘西.
mǎ lí āyí hú lǐ hútu de, tā zǒngshì wàng dōng wàng xī.
Aunt Mary is such a scatterbrain that she always forgets something.
Every Chinese New Year, my maternal aunt gives me a special gift.
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Frequently asked questions about 阿姨
'阿姨' is generally used for women around the age of your parents or older. It can be seen as respectful, but it's specific to those who have a nurturing role.
'阿姨' can refer to a maternal aunt, but it can also mean a stepmother or be used for childcare workers, which broadens its use beyond just family.
'阿姨' is pronounced as 'ā yí,' with the first syllable being level (high tone) and the second syllable rising.
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